Jane Austen Goes Bollywood

Gurinder Chadha, director of Bride and PrejudiceTurning a quintessentially English novel into a Bollywood movie may sound impossible - but then Bend It Like Beckham probably sounded an unlikely prospect.

But director Gurinder Chadha turned it into a surprise hit and is hoping to perform the same trick with Bride and Prejudice.

Her quirky take on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice transfers the action to India where an American Darcy quickly upsets Lolita, Chadha's Lizzie.

"It's a very Indian Story," said Chadha. "It's about a man with five daughters and no dowry. All the daughters need marrying off - it's very much Indian culture.

"One is headstrong and wants to marry for love. She's a very Indian rebel. These are all Bollywood film themes."

She was originally concerned that the Jane Austen Society would take offence, but a recent screening in Bath at the group's annual festival went down a storm. 

Reworking Jane AustenShe told Sky News: "I think, because I put it into such a different context, it was easier for people to accept it.

"The BBC adaptation followed the book so closely that people wanted everything to be exactly the same, but it was easier for me."

And she feels by making Darcy American, she gives Austen's class-conscious novel a contemporary edge.      

"Because he's American he represents what he thinks is the premier nation but she's also very proud of India.

"So it's a clash of national prides, rather than class ones, as in the book."

Bride and Prejudice is due to be released on October 8.